Get your Grub on

Visions of cheeseburgers and French fries are dancing in my head. Why, you ask? Because I have been thinking of all of the great places to eat that are just a couple blocks away from Seattle U! The truth is, if you like to eat a lot but you’re on a college budget, Capitol Hill is the place to be. Don’t believe me? Well, try out a few of these places for size, and you’ll quickly realize why I didn’t stop at 15 pounds my freshman year.

Frites (10th and Pike. Right next to Neumo’s): If you like late-night grease, this is the place for you. These Belgian-style fries are cooked fresh when you order and are complimented with a long list of unique, home-made dipping sauces. When you’ve found Frites, you’ve found fatty heaven. A word for the wise, order the pablano ranch dipping sauce , because it is by all means perfection.

Richard’s on Broadway (commonly known as Dick’s): One of Seattle’s most famous places for cheap burgers and shakes. Each visit to Dick’s not only guarantees a great meal, but Broadway never fails to give you a show while you munch your meal.

Bimbo’s B*tchin Burrito Kitchen (Pine?): If you like fat burritos and an incredible atmosphere, crawl into this hole in the wall and prepare to indulge. There is a long menu with plenty of options, both vegetarian and meat-lovin. You can even get homemade mashed potatoes in your burrito. Now if that isn’t ‘b*tchin’, I don’t know what is.

Honeyhole (Pike and Summit): Hot or cold sandwiches at this local diver are, in my opinion, the best in Seattle. It’s clean and fast, and definitely a local favorite. Not only do they have the best hot sandwiches, but their fries are quite delish as well.

Ezell’s Chicken (23rd and Jefferson): It is a little bit of an uphill hike from the Seattle U campus, but the long journey is well worth it. With scents of fried delicacies wafting through the air for miles around, Ezell’s is by far the best fried chicken joint in Seattle. Even Oprah Winfrey used to have it delivered to her by mail, back in her, um, larger days.

Siam (End of Broadway): For great Thai in a warm and clean environment, Siam is the place to go. The service is fast and friendly, and what’s more important, the price is pretty cheap. The atmosphere is welcoming, and they even have a nice fish tank in the middle of the dining area.

Elysian (14th and Union): The Elysian is a brewery, pub and family restaurant all in one. Thick oak tables and chairs are perfect for the quiet couple or rowdy crowd. Glass divides the dining room from the brewing equipment, so you can see the machines where your favorite Elysian brew was born. Not 21? Don’t fret, the brewery also entices its diverse patrons with delicious pub grub that will satisfy the most savage of appetites.

So, if you find yourself in the area or are simply craving something new, hit up some of these places and you’re sure to find a new fave. Indulge yourself, and remember to ask for pablano ranch.